New Course: SQL Server 2014 70-464

Garth Schulte just completed his Microsoft MCSE SQL Server 2014 70-464 course. In 36 videos, he covers the latest version of developing against Microsoft’s SQL Server database server, including how to design, implement, optimize, and troubleshoot SQL Server 2014 database and programming objects. This course also prepares you for the MCSE: SQL Server 2014 Data Platform exam.

We recently talked to Garth to find out a bit more about this course and learn his tips for conquering this technology.

Q: Why should companies train their IT professionals in this technology?SQL Server is the most popular database platform for Windows-based environments. SQL Server 2014 adds powerful new features for all kinds of workloads and infrastructures, from in-memory technology to cloud integration, and it’s empowering database professionals to build faster, more flexible solutions.

Q: From a student-perspective, what did you keep in mind when creating this course?I tried to give learners a different perspective for learning by providing a mix of concept and demonstration, also by providing our own simplified database and T-SQL examples to work with.

Q: Any outside-of-the-box tips to help students get the most out of your course?Lab it up! Use our Virtual NuggetLab or your own environment to see how things work. A mix of concept, demonstration, and lab can go a long way toward reinforcing concepts and getting that crucial hands-on experience.

Q: What’s one real-world application someone can expect to use, thanks to this course?You’ll improve your T-SQL skills and see first hand how to utilize the many programmable objects in SQL Server. You’ll also be ready to rock many of the new development features SQL Server 2014 offers.

Q: What are the notable topics/or technologies covered in this course?I’ve always felt like 70-464 was 70-461++. It covers similar topics, but goes a little deeper into the following areas: designing databases, implementing database objects, implementing programming objects, and optimizing and troubleshooting queries.

Q: What was your favorite Nugget to create?I’m a big believer in automation. Automate everything!! So I had a lot of fun with the automation Nuggets. We present a challenge at the end of the concept Nugget to automate your own backup/restore process, then show a solution using SSIS in the demonstration Nugget. For fun, we modify the process to utilize Microsoft’s cloud, using the Azure BLOB Storage Service as a repository for backups.

Q: What roadblocks did you come across when creating this training and how did you overcome them?Designing something different than what we’re all used to when learning SQL Server (AdventureWorks). Coming up with a more simplified schema to learn from (NuggetlabDB), while still maintaining a real-world feel was a challenge I overcame through persistence, a whiteboard, and way more coffee than anyone should consume. 🙂

Q: What’s the ONE thing you hope learners take away from this training?I hope they take away a passing grade to the 70-464 exam! I also hope they pick up many of the real-world tips, tricks, and best practices we throw in to each and every Nugget.